With so many products to choose from, it can be challenging for users to determine which Keurig machine will suit them best. If you’re short on space and need coffee fast, then one of these two machines is worth considering.
Convenient coffee makers are abundant in today’s market, but few are made to this quality and offer this level of easy operation. Inserting coffee pods and water are your only responsibilities here, so we’ll have to dig deeper to find out which is the perfect choice.
Summary Of Each Product
- Slightly larger than the K-Mini
- Uses multi-stream technology
- Made to handle more than one coffee drinker
- Large 46-ounce water tank
- Smallest machine made by Keurig
- Easy-to-use controls
- Perfect for one or two people max
- Includes cord storage
Since each compact single-serve brewer is so similar, let’s do a quick breakdown so you can quickly tell them apart and make an informed decision.
Keurig K-Slim
While not the smallest, the difference in size is almost unnoticeable to the untrained eye. The footprint left by the Keurig Slim is not much bigger than the Keurig Mini, even though it boasts a significantly larger water reservoir.
With this larger water tank, you can consecutively reel off a few cups of coffee without having to top it up. This makes it a convenient option for households with more than one coffee drinker.
I also prefer the brewing function on the K-Slim because it uses multi-stream technology. Before brewing, the machine will puncture the K-cup multiple times to saturate the coffee grounds. This helps get an even brewing process that optimizes extraction and enhances the flavor.
Keurig K-Mini
This is the smallest coffee machine that Keurig makes, and it’s perfect for smaller spaces such as apartments and condos. The controls are super easy to operate, so you can focus on your morning routine rather than fussing about with complicated dials and levers.
The Keurig Mini is also great to bring with you should you need to. It’s great for camping or to bring to your in-laws if they’re still using an old-fashion brewer. It has also found a home in many people’s bedrooms so you can start getting ready for the day as soon as you get out of bed.
- Related Read: Keurig Mini Vs Mini Plus
This coffee machine is best used by one person, two people max. It has a noticeably small water tank that must be refilled after each cup. There are no strength control options, so any flavor preferences you have will need to be dealt with via your selection of K-cup pods.
Differences And Similarities At A Glance
Still a bit confused as to which one is best for you? Let’s have a look at the specs before going into the differences and similarities.
| Keurig K-Slim | Keurig K-Mini | |
| Size | 12.1” H x 4.7” W x 15.2” D | 12.1” H x 4.5” W x 11.3” D |
| Weight | 6.22 lbs. | 4.6 lbs. |
| Water Tank Size | 46-ounces | 12-ounces |
| Removable Water Tank | ✔ | ✘ |
| Removable Drip Tray | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-Stream Technology | ✔ | ✘ |
| Brew Sizes | 8, 10, and 12-ounce cups | 6-12-ounce cups |
Differences
Water Tank
The K-Mini earns its name here as the water tank is only the size of one cup. It holds up to 12 oz of water, so be sure to check it before each use because the water tank is also not removable like it is on the K-Slim. A removable water tank is very useful for cleaning and sometimes for refilling.
Cord Storage
Since the K-Mini is more equipped to travel, having the added feature of a cord storage compartment is a nice touch. You can easily keep the cord out of the way when ready to pack up and hit the road. It weighs less than 2 lbs. so just throw it in your bag with a few of your favorite K-cup pods, and you’re all set.
Multi-Stream Technology
If the brewing function is your main concern, look to the K-Slim for a superior product. The multi-stream tech allows the coffee to be pre-saturated, so every morsel of ground coffee is activated and contributes to your delicious coffee.
Similarities
One Cup At A Time
Use these machines if you only ever make one cup. There is no option for a carafe or continuous brewing here, and you will also have to reload a pod each time.
Size
Both models have a compact design that requires very little counter space. This is the main selling point of each, and it is tough to find other brewers of the same size that can produce cups of coffee this quickly and easily.
K-Cup Compatible
The best part about having a Keurig of any kind is that you can access their wide range of pod selections. You’ll never get bored sampling endless flavor options and even if you find coffee beans that you want to try, pick up a reusable K-cup pod coffee filter that fits perfectly in either of these basic coffee makers.
Feature Comparisons
Let’s look at each individual compact brewer to see what the biggest advantages are before we finally choose a winner.
Features
The beauty of Keurig coffee makers is their dedication to simplicity. These are made to brew coffee without a thought, and because of that, the features are limited. One thing I like about the Keurig K-Slim is that you can brew specific brew size selections of 8, 10, or 12-ounce cups. This helps with flavor because you’re using the same ratios all the time. It can also brew a few cups in a row without having to refill the water, which can come in handy on busy Saturday mornings.
Winner: K-Slim
Brewing
This might be the biggest difference between these two compact models. The brew process on the K-Slim uses multi-stream technology, designed to get the most out of each pod. It makes multiple punctures in the pod to allow water to pre-soak the ground coffee for a more innovative brew that produces better-tasting cups of coffee.
Winner: K-Slim
Design
Both slim models have a sleek design that is perfect for kitchens with limited space. One of the key differences is the location of the attached water reservoirs. The Keurig K-Mini tank is located at the back and can be more difficult to reach. This may cause concern since you will be refilling it pretty often.
Winner: K-Slim
Ease of Use
Since these are both made by Keurig, you can be sure they are easy to use. The instruction booklet is very thin, and most people will be able to operate them right away. Neither has any strong brew options, so all you do is select your size with the K-Slim, and you have your fresh coffee in a couple of minutes. With the Keurig Mini, just hit the brew button, and it will start the brew cycle with whatever water you put in the water reservoir.
Winner: K-Mini
Price
The Keurig K-Mini wins this conversation by quite a bit percentage-wise. The actual purchase price is only about $50 less, but you will sacrifice the preset brew sizes, removable water reservoir, and multi-stream tech. When they are both marked at an affordable price, deciding between these two slim models can be very difficult.
Winner: K-Mini
Reviews
With over 100k reviews between the two models, you can be sure to find opinions that cover the full spectrum of outlooks. With an average 4.6 star rating for both of the machines, things seem pretty balanced. Most were very positive for the Keurig K-Slim as well as the K-Mini.
‘Rangcan’ hit the nail on the head with his comments on why he likes the Keurig Mini so much;
“I ordered this machine to replace the giant one I had after years of use. I like this one a lot better because the color is prettier and it doesn’t take up so much counter space. I like that it only holds one cup of water at a time.”
Another customer took issue with the fact that it doesn’t warm up as fast as advertised. Patricia had this to say about her experience with the Keurig Mini;
“Great for small places, BUT takes forever to warm up. Does not take two minutes like the directions say. Far too much money to pay for something that doesn’t “do the job. Wish I could have returned it. I regret buying it.”
When looking at the Keurig Slim, it seems that reliability with cup size can be a problem. I found a lot of comments similar to ‘Erika L.’s’;
“Loved this machine for about 1 week…perfect size for a small kitchen and exactly what we wanted. Now it won’t brew a full cup of coffee…..we are very frustrated. We are trying to troubleshoot but I feel I will be returning this and buying a new machine. Very disappointed in my 1st Keurig.”
However, for every negative comment, there are plenty of happy customers. There were plenty of reviews that mimicked this and I have to agree with the majority that the K-Slim is a superior machine. It seems ‘Joe A.’ is keeping his Keurig K-Slim coffee maker for a while;
“Had it for 10 days now, everything works great. It takes almost no space up on the counter, I love this 5-inch width size. Having the water reservoir is very convenient…I had considered some of the other models where you fill up each cup manually, but am glad I decided on this one, you can make several cups and not have to refill. Having the 3 sizes is also helpful, I didn’t think I’d want this, but it turns out it is useful. I would recommend and would purchase again.”
Winner: Draw
The Verdict
If I’m getting this for myself, I will always choose brewers with a focus on better-quality coffee, and that’s what the Keurig K-Slim offers. It’s great for busy people who still value attention to detail and even though this is built for speed, having the multi-stream technology shows that this machine cares about flavor just as much as convenience.
While flavor comes first, convenience is a close second, and the larger water reservoir is not something I can overlook. You may think, “What’s the big deal with filling the reservoir?” But after a few months of performing this chore, you’ll probably be singing a different tune.
The Keurig K-Slim puts more attention on brewing better coffee with simple controls and a sufficient water tank; what more could you ask for from an affordable single-use coffee machine?
